Morocco releases journalist Ali Lmrabet after brief detention
The independent journalist Ali Lmrabet, a dual French-Moroccan national, was released on July 15 after being detained upon his arrival in Morocco on July 12. The decision came following his hearing before the public prosecutor in Casablanca, who ordered his provisional release while the investigation remains ongoing.
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) welcomed the journalist’s release but emphasized the need for authorities to drop the charges against him. The charges, which stem from allegations of disseminating defamatory digital content against individuals and institutions, continue to cast a shadow over this case.
“We welcome the release of investigative journalist Ali Lmrabet and the return of his equipment. However, this decision should not overshadow the fact that the investigation remains active and that the charges against him—allegedly spreading defamatory digital content—have not been dropped. RSF will continue to monitor the situation closely and urges Moroccan authorities to close this case definitively.”
During his hearing, the prosecutor confirmed the return of Lmrabet’s seized belongings, including two laptops, an external storage device, and a mobile phone. However, the statement also indicated that technical assessments would proceed, with legal measures to be determined upon conclusion of the investigation.
Speaking to RSF, Ali Lmrabet reaffirmed his commitment to professional journalism: “I practice journalism strictly within international standards. I am independent, unaffiliated with any political party or ideology. I have never been convicted of defamation, slander, or harming individuals in France, Spain, or Morocco. My work often challenges state or security structures, which seems to provoke discomfort. But this is my profession—I earn my living through it, and I adhere to professional journalism.”
His wife, Laura Feliu, also shared her perspective: “We believe the prosecutor made the right call. This arrest lacked legal justification and violated even Moroccan law, given the circumstances of his detention and the fact that the alleged offenses were committed outside Morocco. We hope this case is closed permanently, allowing Ali to regain full freedom of movement as any Moroccan citizen should.”
Lmrabet, a prominent figure in critical journalism, was arrested at Tangier airport on July 12 and transferred the following day to the National Brigade of Judicial Police in Casablanca. He was held in custody under accusations of disseminating defamatory digital content.
Morocco currently ranks 105th out of 180 countries in the 2026 RSF World Press Freedom Index, highlighting ongoing concerns about press freedom in the region.
